Frank J. Babb Sr.
MOUNTAIN PINE — Frank James Babb Sr., a beloved widow, father and minister, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at home in his sleep. After a brave fight with illness, Frank, a resident of Mountain Pine, passed away to glory at the age of 95.
Frank was born in El Dorado, Ark., on April 8, 1925, to Eulysses S. and Nora Hays Babb. He began his ministry more than
60 years ago and became an ordained elder under the tutelage of Elder Golden Crump at Happy Street Church of God in Christ. He later became assistant pastor under Elder Abraham Wheeler and the eventual pastor at Gordon Memorial Church of God in Christ located in Mountain Pine. He would passionately lead and teach his congregation until he retired in 2017.
Frank began working at the age of 13 when his father died suddenly. Though he had no formal education, he worked for ACME Brick, Featherlight and became the independent business owner of Babb’s Lawn Service. This allowed him to support his family while they obtained an education. His professional journey led to Prescott, where he met and married the love of his life, Addie Mary Redic. They married in 1946 and during their 56 years of marriage had seven children.
He is survived by their children, Mary Ethel Babb, of Texarkana, Willie Pearl Stewart, of Jacksonville, Elder Frank (Betty) Babb Jr., of Mountain Pine, Elder Larry (Annie) Darnell Babb, of Mountain Pine, Willie Robert Babb, of Dallas, Celquetta Delniece Pride, of Sherwood, and Reginald (Felicia) Keith Babb, of Hot Springs; a sister, Odessa Bond, of West St. Paul, Minn.;
16 grandchildren, numerous great- grandchildren, several great- great- grandchildren and host of family and friends.
There will be a walk-through visitation at Macedonia Baptist Church in Mountain Pine from
5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. Elder Babb’s home going celebration will be held at Mountain Pine Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 23.
Elder Babb’s full obituary and online guestbook are available at http://www.brandonsmortuary.com. Brandon’s Mortuary is entrusted with professional services.